This morning around 10:30am, McMaster entered the store wearing a ski mask and gloves, he pulled out a pistol and demanded the store’s employee to “give it up and don’t make me shoot you!” The employee fearing for his life handed the suspect $163.00 in cash. The masked suspect then fled the store on foot. Officers already in the area heard the robbery being dispatched on the police radio and immediately relocated to the business to render assistance. A concerned citizen told police he observed the suspect running towards Lake Forest Boulevard disrobing and taking off his mask and gloves as he ran. Officers spotted the fleeing suspect running into the 8900 block of Lake Forest Boulevard where he was later apprehended without any incident. Officers also recovered the weapon and the ski mask he used to disguise himself during the robbery. McMaster was positively identified by the concerned citizen as the suspect discarding his clothing as he fled the store.

McMaster was booked into Central Lockup and charged with Armed Robbery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Criminal Damage to Property.

Ronnie McMaster has been previously arrested for Simple Burglary, Flight from an Officer, Theft, and Possession Stolen property. McMaster also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest for Theft and Burglary. McMaster is currently on probation until 2017 for Burglary and Unauthorized Use of a Moveable.

The New Orleans Police Department, under the leadership of Superintendent Ronal W. Serpas, is engaged in a complete transformation in its approach to ensuring that New Orleans is a safer place to live, work and visit. To learn more about the NOPD and our services, visit http://www.nola.gov/GOVERNMENT/NOPD .